The Sedalia weekly bazoo. [volume] (Sedalia, Mo.) 187?-1904, 1887-03-29
A Pair Of B0ntams.

last evening, were treated to q little
scene which convinced them that the
old adage ut taxes nine tailors to
make a man" was not applicable to
the present age of evolution. About
that hour deputy constable Edwards
came into court leading little midget
of some 100 pounds, weight, dressed in
the height of fashion and topped of
with shining plug hat that would ex-
cite the envy Of the leading star of the
foremost minstrel troupe of the day.
In moment the loiterers about the
court had dotted their hats as they saw
the judge adjust his spectacles and
peer over the glasses at the prisoner.
lis this Thomas Porter? difidentiy
asked the court addressing the pris-
oner.
"Yes sir" responded the midget IN
a shrill voice.
"Well, Mr.. Porter, you are charged
with sending threatening letters to
Charles HannaGeld, what have on
to say?"
~ guess did if telling him l
would thump him on sight is threat
ening."
"Well. sir, your offense is a very
serious one. Don't you know that it
is contrary to law"
mo, sir, l emily told the truth, for
l mean to whip him the first time
catch him, even if it does cost me ten
dollars. I'd give $40 to lick him."
care you ready for trialw
81 would like to wait until to-mOr-
row and get my witnesses.
At this juncture Attorney Lamn
came In and the court asked him to
set the time for trial.
'It don't make any differ
ence," Clipped in Porter, 1--WE
might as well have it out now 90
as / can 90 and lick Hannafeld."
"Do you know the charge against
your" asked the attorney.
eyes sir"
"Do you plead guilty."
eyes SIR"
"Did you write this ?" handing the
prisoner a letter of which the follow
ing is copy:
Hanniefeld: / would like to meet
you tonight and fight this out if you
have got any spunk in you at all. !
will meet you sc any time you men-
ton and if you will not meet me the
first time | see you on street / viii
knock the devil out of you. / mean it
and don't you forgrt it | will watch
for you.
Answer or come with the answer
your self.
eyes sir did and 1 meant it too"
"That is all you have to say?"
"Yes SIR"
The court readjusting his glasses, read
the section of the law relating to the
ofense and the section providing a
penalty of not more than 5000 or six
months in the county Jail or both.
The prisoner WINGED little but rally
ing said:
"Ican't help it judge, Hannafeld
told another tailor spoiled q coat for
him and am bound to lick him."
The court attempted to explain the
seriousness of his oEense, to the pris-
ouer, and how Hanna6eId, on the re-
ceipt of such mission, would have
been justified in arming himself and
shooting the prisoner on sight, but
the prisoner would not have it that
way, and insisted on doing the talking
himself.
Finally his honor gave up in de-
spair, and said, 'the court will have
to fine you s25. The spirit you ex-
hibit in the matter convinces the court
q less penalty would be q
mere mockery."
"Ain't that pretty steep'" asked
the prisoner.
Under the circumstances / think
it the contrary" replied the court.
At this juncture the prosecuting at
torney undertook to act for the de-
PENDANT and amid many Interruptions
from his impromptu client went on
tn state that while there was little
doubt that the city had been saved
from deluge of blood by the pro mpt
taken to prevent q meeting
between these two knights of the
goose, either of whom would
pull down the scales at one hundred
pounds, yet he thought that in order
to secure peace, if the prisoner would
consent to forego further hostilities,
the court would be justified in reduc-
ing the penalty to SIS and costs. He
did not desire. to dictate to the court,
but merely offered this as a suggestion.
After some argument, the prisoner